Lynn Wanjiku, from Worcester, MA, is a senior majoring in Public Health with a minor in Psychology. Lynn is the President of the Black Student Union, a Presidential Student Ambassador, Worcester Civic Leader, and member of the 2027 Senior Class Committee. Lynn is also a volunteer with the Massachusetts Organization of African Descendants and Uhai for Health, and was selected as Miss Worcester for 2025-2026.
Lynn Wanjiku
How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus? I got involved in campus life during my freshman year. I joined BSU as a member and fell in love. I ended up joining the step team at BSU, and we performed at midnight breakfast. After that, my love for BSU grew, and I ran for secretary during my sophomore year. During my junior year, I became president and accomplished so much that I am so proud of.
For students who have not found their people/place on campus, I would advise them to go to campus events and get to know other students. Getting involved with events definitely helped me as a commuter student to connect with and be able to feel at home on campus. I’m a firm believer that there is someone out there for everyone, it might take time, but the connection you make here might last a lifetime.
How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change? I remember coming in as a shy girl with big dreams. We have an adage that states, “shut mouths don’t get fed,” so I had to force myself out of my comfort zone. My eyes were set on BSU. I started as a member, became Secretary, and eventually President. Each role pushed me to become more confident, speak up, and learn how to work with different people. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about having a title; it’s about listening, trusting others, and bringing people together. Looking back, I’m proud of how much I’ve grown and how much I’ve been able to accomplish at WSU.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership? I think the biggest lesson I have learned about leadership is that you do not have to be the loudest person in the room to be a good leader. When I first started getting involved, I thought being a leader meant always knowing what to say or what to do. As I grew into my role, especially as BSU President, I learned that listening is just as important as speaking.
I also learned that you cannot do everything by yourself. A big part of leadership is trusting the people around you, allowing them to bring their own ideas to the table, and making sure everyone feels like they have a place. I would describe my leadership style as someone who leads with heart. I care about the people I serve, and I want those around me to know that their voices matter.
What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU? My best experience at WSU was definitely planning the African Wedding in April with the Black Student Union. It was something I was really excited about because I wanted to create an event that brought students together and celebrated African culture. One of my favorite parts was getting other colleges to participate and seeing everyone come together for the event. I remember looking around and seeing people from different schools, different backgrounds, and different organizations all enjoying themselves, dancing, laughing, and just having a good time. Seeing something that started as an idea come to life and watching everyone enjoy it was such a rewarding feeling.
What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become? Sometimes you have to put yourself in uncomfortable situations to realize what you are capable of. So go to the club meetings and events, join the organizations, and raise your hand for the opportunity. Even if it does not work out exactly how you imagined, you will learn something from it. Also, don’t feel like you have to become someone else to be a leader. Find your own leadership style and let yourself grow into it.
What are your current plans for the next few years? As of now, my biggest goal is to make the most of my time at Worcester State before I graduate. I want to continue growing as a leader, especially through my roles as a Presidential Student Ambassador, Senior Class Committee member, and Worcester Civic Leader. I also want to continue finding ways to serve my community and create opportunities for other students.
After graduation, I plan to continue my education and pursue a master’s degree related to healthcare and business/analytics. As a Public Health major with a Psychology minor, I have become really interested in the connection between healthcare, data, leadership, and the people we serve. Long-term, I want to build a career where I can use those interests to make healthcare better and more accessible.
